Things to Do in Wexford: What to Do, See, and Savour

Wexford town sits at the mouth of the River Slaney, initially established as a Viking settlement in 800 AD - making it one of Ireland's oldest towns. Unlike many other Leinster settlements that developed around monasteries or Norman castles, Wexford's foundations as a trading port gave it a distinctly international character. It’s also famous for its beaches.

The 1798 Rebellion against British rule has left an indelible mark on Wexford's identity, with locals still proudly recounting tales of local heroes and battles. This revolutionary spirit shows up in everything from street names to the fierce local pride that differentiates Wexford from neighboring counties like Kilkenny or Waterford.

Essential Wexford Attractions

Irish National Heritage Park

This 35-acre outdoor museum takes you through 9,000 years of Irish history with reconstructed buildings from Mesolithic to Norman times. You can explore ringforts, crannógs, and Viking houses at your own pace in the Irish National Heritage Park

Visitor Info: Allow 2-3 hours for a proper visit. Summer mornings (before 11am) offer the most peaceful experience. While Newgrange in Meath might be more famous, the hands-on experiences here give you a much more tangible connection to ancient Irish life.

Wexford Town Walls

Dating back to the 12th century, portions of the medieval town walls still stand throughout Wexford. The Westgate Heritage Tower is the last remaining town gate of the original seven that once controlled access to the town.

Visitor Info: A self-guided walking tour takes about 1 hour. Visit at dusk when the lighting makes the stonework particularly atmospheric. The walls here are less complete than Kilkenny's but have fewer tourists cluttering your photos.

Johnstown Castle & Gardens

This Gothic Revival castle is surrounded by 50 acres of ornamental grounds, three lakes, and a walled garden. The agricultural museum on the grounds offers insight into rural Irish life.

Visitor Info: Plan for a half-day visit. The gardens are spectacular in spring (April-May) when the rhododendrons bloom. Sunday afternoons can get crowded during summer.

Curracloe Beach

The Curracloe beach is a stunning 11km stretch of golden sand featured in the opening scenes of "Saving Private Ryan." The pristine waters and dunes make it a favorite with locals year-round.

Visitor Info: Arrive before 10am on summer days to get parking. The northern end (The Raven) is quieter. Winter walks here are spectacular with dramatic skies and virtually no other visitors.

Selskar Abbey

In the heart of Wexford town, these 12th-century ruins hold significant historical importance - it's where the first treaty between Ireland and England was signed in 1169.

Visitor Info: Only open during summer months (May-September). A guided tour takes 40 minutes and provides crucial context you'd miss alone.

Hidden Wexford Gems

Tacumshane Windmill

Ireland's only surviving windmill with its original sails sits quietly in the countryside outside Wexford town. Built in 1846, locals will tell you it operated until the 1930s when a storm damaged it, though official records show it stopped commercial operations earlier.

Local Insight: The elderly gentleman who sometimes gives impromptu tours on Sunday afternoons is a direct descendant of the original miller.

Forth Mountain

Just 4km from town, the Forth Mountain Trail walk offers panoramic views across the county and the Celtic Sea. The quartzite outcrops create an otherworldly landscape not found elsewhere in Leinster.

Local Insight: Park at the Barntown GAA pitch and take the hidden trail beside the small wooden gate. This route avoids the crowds and passes by "The Three Rocks," a local landmark where rebels gathered during the 1798 uprising.

The Lobster Pot, Carne

This family-run pub in a tiny coastal village serves the freshest seafood in the county. The building has been a pub since the 1780s, and fishermen still bring their catch directly to the kitchen door.

Local Insight: Don't bother with the menu - ask what was caught that morning. During winter storms, locals gather here to watch waves crash against the harbor wall through the back windows.

Event Calendar

Spring Events

Wexford Opera Festival (April) - While the main Opera Festival happens in autumn, the spring program showcases emerging talent and offers performances at more accessible prices.

Blackstairs Mountain Challenge (May) - This 26km hike along the Wexford-Carlow border draws outdoor enthusiasts from across Leinster. The village festivities afterward are worth experiencing even if you don't participate.

Summer Events

Wexford Maritime Festival (June) - Celebrating Wexford's seafaring heritage with tall ships, reenactments, and water-based activities along the quayside.

Strawberry Festival, Enniscorthy (July) - The nearby town celebrates its famous strawberry growing tradition with competitions, music, and a chaotic strawberry-eating contest.

Duncannon Sand Sculpting Festival (August) - Professional sand artists create incredible sculptures on this Blue Flag beach, attracting visitors across the southeast.

Autumn Events

Wexford Festival Opera (October/November) - The internationally renowned opera festival transforms the town for nearly three weeks. Even if opera isn't your thing, the fringe events and atmosphere are worth experiencing.

Wexford Fringe Festival (October) - Running alongside the Opera Festival, the Fringe offers more accessible performances, exhibitions, and events.

Winter Events

Wexford Winterland (December) - The town transforms into a Christmas wonderland with an ice rink on the quayside and a traditional European-style market.

Phil Murphy Weekend (January) - This traditional music festival in Carrig-on-Bannow celebrates local musical heritage with pub sessions throughout the small village.

Family Activities

Wells House and Gardens

This Victorian estate offers woodland fairy trails, a gruffalo walk, archery, and animal farms that appeal to children of all ages.

Age Appeal: Perfect for ages 3-12. The adventure playground keeps younger kids entertained while older ones enjoy the falconry displays.

Pirate's Cove, Courtown

A short drive from Wexford town, this amusement center offers bowling, crazy golf, and arcade games - perfect for rainy days that are all too common in Leinster.

Age Appeal: Best for ages 6-14. Book ahead on school holidays as it gets jam-packed with local families.

Secret Valley Wildlife Park

Meet alpacas, raccoons, meerkats and more at this Wexford zoo where children can bottle-feed lambs in spring and handle various creatures year-round.

Age Appeal: Toddlers through teens will find something interesting here. The reptile house fascinates even the most jaded teenagers.

Kia Ora Mini Farm

This working farm lets kids interact with traditional farm animals while also meeting some more exotic creatures like lemurs. The playground and go-kart track provide additional entertainment.

Age Appeal: Primarily designed for ages 2-10. The indoor play area makes it a solid all-weather option.

Local Wexford Business Highlights

The Sky and the Ground

This eclectic pub on South Main Street combines traditional Irish elements with creative modern touches. Known for an exceptional craft beer selection that changes weekly and trad sessions that locals attend (unlike the touristy versions elsewhere).

Try: Their house ale "Yellowbelly" is brewed locally and changes seasonally. The winter porter version has hints of coffee and chocolate that perfectly complement their Irish stew.

La Côte Seafood Restaurant

Located on Custom House Quay, this restaurant serves up the freshest seafood with minimal fuss. The chef-owner trained in France but focuses on highlighting local ingredients rather than masking them with heavy sauces.

Try: The Kilmore Quay scallops with black pudding represent a perfect marriage of local seafood and traditional Irish ingredients.

The Book Centre

Housed in a former cinema on Main Street, this independent bookshop retains the building's art deco features. The carefully curated local interest section contains books you won't find in chain stores or online.

Special Touch: Ask about the signed editions from local authors hidden throughout the store - the staff run informal book clubs with several Wexford writers.

Visit Wexford

Wexford combines the best elements of Irish coastal charm with genuine historical significance. Unlike some Leinster towns that feel preserved for tourists, Wexford pulses with authentic local life. From its Viking foundations to its revolutionary history and contemporary cultural scene, Wexford rewards visitors who venture beyond the obvious attractions.

The real magic happens when you follow the rhythm of local life: morning walks along Curracloe before the crowds arrive, afternoon explorations of ancient sites, and evenings spent conversing with locals over a pint or fresh seafood. Whether you're making a quick weekend visit or settling in for a more extended stay, Wexford offers layers of experiences that unfold the longer you linger.

Check out our guide about things to do in Kilkenny.